Makeup Artist Susan Kirsch On How To Make Your Makeup Last

Susan Kirsch is a Toronto-based makeup artist and the creator of brand-spanking-new makeup line Pandora's Makeup Box—which has been receiving rave reviews across the blogosphere. (Stay tuned for my test drive soon—but in the meantime, check out reviews by Beautygeeks and Lipstick Rules.)

One of the cool things about the line is that the products are designed to really LAST. The product I've been most intrigued with is the Eye Lid Primer, but there are also long-lasting shadows, lipsticks and blushes.

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With that theme in mind, I asked Susan for some tips on how to get makeup to last longer on oily complexions. Here are her tips for your skin, eyelids and cheeks:

SKIN:

Mattify your skin with a product specially designed to absorb oil. (Look for the word "matte" on the label. You can also use powder-free face blotting tissues, a pore minimizing product or even a touch of witch hazel.)

Dust your face with a loose powder or powder foundation.

CHEEKS:

Avoid cream blush (powder is better).

Make sure your skin is dry to the touch before you apply blush.

EYELIDS:

Apply eyelid primer—but not to the crease of your eyelids. (Press it on from the lash line to the crease, and then from the crease to the eyebrow.)

Set the primer with two coats of matte eyeshadow, and then continue your regular shadow application.

Use a waterproof pencil to line your eyes, and then seal it with liquid liner (or in a pinch, you can use a shadow-based eyeliner applied wet).

If you're using eyeliner under your eyes, apply more to the inside of the lash line and press some powder underneath the lashes to absorb the oil.

Use a water-based mascara (eg. Kiss Me or other waterproof mascara).

Pandora's Makeup Box is available at Murale at the Shops at Don Mills in Toronto and at pandorasmakeupbox.com.